noun
Uncommon
baseline
BAYS-lyn
Baseline (noun) means a fixed starting point used for comparison when measuring change. Example: “The doctor took a baseline reading of his blood pressure before starting treatment.”
noun
1
A fixed starting point used for comparison when measuring change.
"The doctor took a baseline reading of his blood pressure before starting treatment."
"Sales figures from last January serve as our baseline for this year's targets."
"Scientists recorded a baseline temperature for the lake before the experiment began."
2
The back line marking the boundary of the court in sports like tennis or basketball.
"She hit the ball just inside the baseline."
"The player stood behind the baseline and bounced the ball twice before serving."
"His shot landed just outside the baseline, so the point went to his opponent."
How to use baseline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA reference point you measure everything else against.
Common pairings
baseline measurement
establish a baseline
baseline data
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Word forms
- Plural
- baselines
- Third person singular
- baselines
- Past tense
- baselined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor took a _____ reading of his blood pressure before starting treatment.
Etymology
From base + line, originally a surveying term for a reference line used in measurement.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for baseline
See all rhymes for baseline →Frequently asked questions
What does “baseline” mean?
The word “baseline” means a fixed starting point used for comparison when measuring change. In plain terms, a reference point you measure everything else against.
How do you pronounce “baseline”?
“Baseline” is pronounced BAYS-lyn (/ˈbeɪslaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “baseline” in a sentence?
Here is “baseline” used in a sentence: “The doctor took a baseline reading of his blood pressure before starting treatment.”
What part of speech is “baseline”?
“Baseline” is a noun.
Is “baseline” a common word?
“Baseline” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “baseline” have?
“Baseline” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fixed starting point used for comparison when measuring change.
What is the difference between baseline and benchmark?
A baseline is a fixed starting point used for comparison when measuring change, while a benchmark is typically a standard or reference point used to evaluate performance or quality, often against a target rather than an original starting state. Baselines mark where something began, whereas benchmarks often represent an ideal or industry standard.
What does baseline mean in tennis or basketball?
In tennis or basketball, the baseline is the back line marking the boundary of the court. It defines the limit of play at each end of the court.
Why is baseline important when measuring change over time?
A baseline serves as the fixed starting point against which later measurements are compared, making it possible to identify and quantify change. Without an established baseline, it is difficult to determine whether a measured difference represents real progress or decline.
